The Role of Federal Career Advisors

Written by Lee Kelley on 24 November 2015.

Most of us would agree the process of finding, applying for, landing, and then keeping a federal job can be overwhelming at times.

As you read this, you may be recalling the process you went through to land that first federal position, and how hard it was to find the right fit for your civilian or military background. Or you may remember the effort you put into developing a resume that met federal requirements and showed clearly on paper that you had the right qualifications.

How about the process of competing for pay grade increases or promotions within the federal government, or switching career paths, or some other related matter?

As you worked through these things, you may have had support from mentors, colleagues, or even a career advisor. However, many people go through the process alone, and only later realize how much more efficient and effective they could have been with just a little support.

This is where a Master Federal Career Advisor (MFCA) can really make the difference. Someone with this certification has taken the time to study the entire spectrum of the federal hiring process, and all the nuances involved with navigating USAJOBS.gov, understanding vacancy announcements, matching people with the right jobs, developing resumes, and applying through the system. In addition, they have access to best practices, tools, and resources from a leading organization in the career management industry.

Whether you are work within the federal Human Resources community, in a military family readiness group, in a veteran support organization, in a college career center, or any other similar type of organization, why not be that empowering advisor and advocate for someone else? By earning an MFCA certification, you can help talented and dedicated people to wade through the federal hiring process and serve our nation as a government employee.

Mr. Kelley is an Iraq war veteran, former Army Captain, and author who now serves as the senior writer on CareerPro Global’s writing team. Leveraging the company’s vast expertise in assisting thousands of SES and federal job seekers, Lee has personally developed hundreds of resumes and more than a thousand ECQs.

He is also the Director of Training and Veteran Transitions, and has provided USAJOBS resume-writing workshops to hundreds of federal employees and military personnel. In addition, Lee co-authored the book, "Roadmap to the Senior Executive Service: How to Find SES Jobs, Determine Your Qualifications, and Develop Your SES Application." His latest book is titled, "Inside Marine One: Four U.S. Presidents, One Proud Marine, and the World’s Most Amazing Helicopter."